Celebrating the holidays with the Christmas spirit by sharing this throwback video of behind the scenes footage of the Kimmel Center’s photoshoot for Xmas Philes in 2015
For 50 years, Joan Myers Brown led Philadanco, the company she founded to give Black ballet dancers performing opportunities that she had not been afforded, despite her talent. But she has long said she would take her final bow when the company hit the half-century mark, in 2020. So Philadanco developed a succession plan — several succession plans over the years, which never quite worked out.
What Dance Lovers Have Missing By Camille Bacon-Smith November 2, 2020 in Dance
During this year of darkened theaters, some dance companies have embraced technology, taking the work outdoors and creating for film on the landscape or dancing with the tech itself. I enjoy these, but like most fans of live performance, I’ve missed sitting in a theater, engaging with the artists across the footlights. Streaming from the Annenberg’s empty Harold Prince Theater, PHILADANCO!’s October 29 performance brought that experience back.
Philadanco dancers Janine Beckles and Joe González returned to the stage via Livestream broadcast from the Annenberg Center’s Harold Prince Theater stage in a program of solos and duets. Also featured was a new piece titled, With-Held, about dancers navigating this difficult year. It was the third broadcast of the Annenberg Center’s fall virtual season as the venue continues to be closed to live audiences due to Covid restrictions. https://philadelphiadance.org/dancejournal/2020/10/31/philadanco-dancers-return-to-the-annenberg-stage/
Kim Bears Bailey has been named the artistic director of Philadanco, the company announced Thursday, replacing founder Joan Myers Brown in that role. Brown, 88, has led the company for 50 years. She will become artistic adviser and retain her title of founder. She has long said she would step down from the top artistic position after Philadanco’s 50th anniversary celebrations, which were cut short in the spring by coronavirus. The company plans to continue the festivities when it can return to the stage. https://www.inquirer.com/arts/philadanco-joan-myers-brown-kim-bears-bailey-20201022.html
